How do we manage pain now?

[Flutterby111]

Now that I've quit the percs and the docs know I was addicted does anyone have advice on how to handle/manage upper back pain and tension and headaches?  I'm so used to relying on a pill...It's really a frightening next step for me now that I'm through most of the withdrawl.  

[Chi_Chi_Lover]

I know the advil are like taking nothing right now and it will take time for your brain and body to reset. It doesn't happen over night. Most of us were prescribed the pain pills for pain at first then it we started taking them for the fun of it. And Britney is right you have to alter your way of thinking some of it is about how you approch your pain from this point forward. Pills are the easy way out. If we are in a car wreck or some horrible diease we may have to take a pain pill down the road. I just hope I will be strong enough if that happens to do the right thing. I found out when I broke my shoulder this past summer there are other non opiate drugs that help. They aren't great but they did help.

[Britney83]

You have to alter your "way of thinking"....pills ARE easy, and convenient....but ironically,  most things worth having...are not.

[Flutterby111]

Thanks.  Massage is awesome.  I too took pills for fun, but was prescribed them for pain initially, so I screwed myself out of painkillers and "fun".  I've tried acupuncture also, while it feels great, it didn't really help.  pills were just so easy, could take them anywhere.  massage you have to make an appointment and they are expensive.  Advil...seems like it'll be as effective as a Flintstone vitamin at this point.  How do I ever go back to basics?  Argh!  So frightening!

[Britney83]

massage!!! if you have access, it is a WONDERFUL distraction....you feel so refreshed afterwards! And i must agree on the motrin, immodium.  ... hot baths are never toxic either...:)  A game of raquetball is fun.....and the gym is a good way to go too!!!!

[Chi_Chi_Lover]

I only use advil and I have migraines so when they are bad I'm prescribed Imitrex. You have to learn to manage some of your pain without turning to pills. It takes time, months.

[toxictome]

Geez...i can't help much on this either..i took pills cuz they made me "FEEL GOOD" , not because i was in a lot of pain.    oh..I suffered from "emotional pain"  lol

I do use Mortin for arthritis and headaches..it does work for me most of the time.

[avisg]

flutter,
i use mortrin and zanaflax..... it works on my slaming headaches as well